Obituaries

Arlene Fitzgerald, 88: Longtime teacher and coach, loved the beach

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Fitzgerald

She was born to Carl and Hazel Davis on Dec. 18, 1925, in Saco, and was a second cousin to Bette Davis. She graduated first in her class from Old Orchard Beach High School in 1943. She later went on to graduate from Gorham State Teachers College and taught seventh grade math for over 25 years in the Old Orchard Beach School system. In addition, she coached the OOB girls’ basketball team to several championships and was later acknowledged as having the most successful team in the state during the 1940s, according to Will Anderson’s, "Here’s to Hoops."

During her life, Fitzgerald was known for her passion for the beach. She would regularly walk several miles a day. At home she was an avid reader and knitter, listening to tunes of her era on the radio. She enjoyed her coffee get-togethers with her brother Kenny and his wife, Madeline.

She was lifelong friends with Maddy Edwards and Penny Rooney. She enjoyed her continued friendship with her longtime neighbor and teaching companion, Eleanor Smith.

She was passionate about the Celtics, Patriots and especially her beloved Red Sox.

She was predeceased by her three brothers; four sisters; and husband, John.

She is survived by her son, John, and Susan; son, Gary, and Gisele; daughter, Barbara, and Michael; grandchildren, Shane, Erin, Sean, Ashley and Thomas; and great-granddaughter, Bella.

Per her request, there will be no visitation. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Augusta at a later date. Please consider donations in her memory to The Salvation Army, 2 Church St., Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 or Portland Center for Assisted Living, 68 Devonshire St., Portland, ME 04103.